Los Angeles Lakers improved for 2019-20, but are they a title contender?
The Los Angeles Lakers look to build on an active offseason with a title run. What should we expect in the 2019-20 NBA season?
The Los Angeles Lakers had one of the most tumultuous offseasons in the league, a lofty achievement in the summer of player movement. The team enters the 2019-20 NBA season with more optimism than they left the last one, but what will the end result of that optimism be?
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Los Angeles stripped its roster down to the bare bones to trade for Anthony Davis, forming a 1-2 punch with LeBron James and Davis not seen since Shaquille O’Neal left town. Then the roster was reconstructed, a swing at the fences for another star replaced by role players and, thankfully, more shooting. Finally a handful of players from last year’s team were added back in.
The roster was not the only thing to change, either. Magic Johnson unexpectedly stepped down at the end of the season, and former agent Rob Pelinka became the top decision maker in the organization. He hired Frank Vogel as head coach and Jason Kidd as his top assistant, a peculiar move that may foretell drama down the road.
Two top 10 players equals title contender according to the classic NBA formula, and the Lakers certainly have those expectations for themselves. In a wide open but crowded field of contenders the Lakers will need to get on track quickly. What does the team look like heading into the season, and what should fans expect from this new-and-improved Los Angeles Lakers team?